How to Address the Construction Labour Shortage Through Digitalisation

The construction sector is grappling with an acute labour shortage, putting major projects at risk of delays and budget overruns. As skilled workers retire and fewer young professionals enter the industry, firms must explore innovative ways to do more with less. Digitalisation offers a powerful response - transforming traditional workflows, improving efficiency, and helping firms maximise the potential of their existing workforce. This blog outlines key strategies for using digital tools to counter labour scarcity and future-proof operations.

Digitally Optimise Workforce Planning

Start by digitising how your projects are staffed. Integrating Building Information Modelling (BIM) with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems like SAP S/4HANA gives construction leaders visibility over skill availability, project demands, and site capacity in real-time. This integration helps ensure the right personnel are allocated at the right time, reducing both bottlenecks and idle time.

Use Mobile Applications for Real-Time Field Efficiency

Construction workers can also benefit from digitalisation. Many ERP systems offer user-friendly mobile apps, enabling easy and quick onsite registration. Logging hours, travel times, travel costs, and materials have never been simpler. Planners can also share technical information with onsite teams via these apps. Working smarter onsite has the potential to save significant time, compared to manual entries. However, success in using these apps depends on companies standardising their processes. Everyone must use the apps consistently, or the information will remain incomplete.

Automate Repetitive and Labour-Intensive Tasks

Technologies like robotic process automation (RPA), 3D printing, and robotic bricklayers can significantly reduce reliance on manual labour. These innovations not only increase consistency and productivity but also free up skilled workers to focus on more complex, value-added tasks. PLM solutions help ensure these systems integrate seamlessly into design and execution processes.

Predict Equipment Needs with Data Analytics

With fewer workers on-site, it’s critical that equipment runs smoothly. Predictive analytics allows companies to track machine health and usage patterns, enabling proactive maintenance. This reduces unplanned downtime and increases the availability of resources already in short supply. Emixa offers advanced Data & AI Strategy services to support this.

Invest in Upskilling and Digital Training

Labour shortages can be partially offset by upskilling existing employees to work more efficiently with digital tools. Through Emixa’s training programmes, companies can boost employee satisfaction, improve retention, and ensure the workforce stays future-ready.

The construction labour shortage is not going away - but digitalisation offers a clear way forward. By modernising workforce planning, digitising operations, automating repetitive tasks, leveraging data, and investing in people, construction firms can remain competitive despite limited resources.

Meet the authors

Prefab Solution in SAP

Did you know Emixa developed a tailored solution for this in collaboration with SAP? This 'Prefab Package' offers an end-to-end solution for the construction industry. Offering a one-stop-shop for calculations, forecasting and full-on project control.

Read more

Prefab Solution in SAP

Did you know Emixa developed a tailored solution for this in collaboration with SAP? This 'Prefab Package' offers an end-to-end solution for the construction industry. Offering a one-stop-shop for calculations, forecasting and full-on project control.

Read more